Pentagon to trim military spending for electronics and CET&I

U.S. military spending in substantial electronics accounts is set for slight reductions next year as trims are expected for procurement and research in military communications, electronics, telecommunications, and intelligence (CET&I) technologies. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is asking Congress for $12.5 billion for CET&I procurement and research in the fiscal 2018 proposed DOD budget, which is down by $535.1 million, or 4.1 percent, over 2017 levels. These accounts contained $15.1 billion as recently as fiscal 2012. The DOD request for CET&I procurement and research does not include military activities with substantial electronics content, such as aircraft avionics, vetronics, and missile guidance. When these additional DOD electronics-heavy accounts are added, Pentagon spending levels for military electronics and defense electro-optics next year could approach $90 billion, industry analysts say.